Modesto Veteran Summits Mount Kilimanjaro To Honor Those Who Have Served
MODESTO (CBS13) — A Modesto man may have found the most unique way to honor veterans by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on Veterans Day at the end of an eight-day journey.
At 19,345 feet, elation meets accomplishment for Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Torres. He lost both his knees while serving in Afghanistan five years ago. With the help of Los Angeles-based nonprofit The Heroes Project, he made the trek.
"I wanted to pay respect to my fallen brothers. We did it! Happy Veterans Day to all of the veterans out there," he said.
His partner in the climb is Tim Medvetz, the founder of The Heroes Project. Medvetz says the grueling ascent to the snow-capped summit was his way of honoring the men and women who have protected our freedoms.
"America; that's all I can say," he said. "Just doing my part as an American on this glorious day. Happy Veterans Day everybody."
Barranco Wall presented a tough moment for Torres as he faced the reality of his injury.
"That was not my favorite," Torres said. "It completely was horrible. I definitely paid my price and paid my dues to get up the wall."
But it restored his faith in his ability.
"I do want to climb again. I would tell my kids: there is nothing that your dad can't do. I love you guys," he said.